I need to pull one of my heads on my 5.3 that i just installed. It has not been ran and i am using studs. Will i be able to reuse the gasket or do i need to get a new one. Thanks

 

Since it hasn't been ran it may be okay. Are they stock head gaskets?

 

Gona prob get mixed ones on this but yes I would reuse it, if it is a MLS gasket. Might be risking it if it is the felt style with the crush rings, but heat usually is what sets them.

 

Lets hear what Richard has to say about this

 

If its an MLS you should be fine. Ive done it plenty of times on race motors at the track. If its a felpro f#$% no haha.

 

I'm one of the big fat NO answers.

The reason being that the MLS headgasket is a crush gasket. If the head bolts have been torqued to spec, the gasket is now crushed to seal depending on the tightening factors. If you reuse it, there is a chance that you will have a blown headgasket stemming from the head not seating over the crush portions properly. And for $50 it's not worth the risk anyways.

 

I wouldnt reuse any head gasket that has been torqued down. They are all made to crush. Not worth the chance imo.

 

Some of these MLS gaskets can run from $70-$100 although LS9 MLS headgaskets are $40-$50.
Even if you torque a head down and leave it overnight and come back and retorque, you will notice that the gasket has settled some.

It can be a gamble.

peace
Hog

 

I wouldn't recommend it but if you do, use copper spray.